Retrospect

J. Martin Castro and Ogie Ramos, members of “The REtroSPECT” won as Best Group Performer in Hotels, Bars and Music Lounges in the 22nd Aliw Awards held at the Mega Tent, Meralco Ave., Pasig City last Tuesday evening, Nov. 17, 2009.

It was the third time The REtroSPECT won in the same category for three consecutive years! “We could have not done it without our followers and supporters who always watch our live performances wherever we go! Thanks a lot!” – the group exclaimed!

The REtroSPECT resident musicals are Michael Casanova on Keyboards, Michael Balagot on Bass Guitar, Krister Jann Castro on Drums, Anton Castro on Lead Guitar and Rex Galvez on Saxophones and Flute.

The REtroSPECT performs on Nov. 22 at Roxas Palawan Gym and Caleruega Batangas on Nov. 28. Log on to www.retrospect.ph for more information and inquiries.
 
More intense ‘Ikaw Sana’ maintains high ratings

“Ikaw Sana,” GMA-7’s weeknight drama program starring Mark Herras, Jennylyn Mercado and Pauleen Luna, has been a consistent winner in the primetime race for the last couple of weeks based on data from AGB Nielsen Research.

Since Nov. 3, the Kapuso station’s homegrown series was able to maintain its lead over its counterpart in the other station, even scoring an impressive 27.1 percent last Nov. 5.

Figures aside, primetime viewers take notice of “Ikaw Sana’s” improved storyline, fast-paced sequences, and exciting confrontation scenes between Eliza and Sofia played by Jennylyn and Pauleen, respectively.

The Mark-Jennylyn tandem still has not lost its magic and proves to be even stronger now that they both have matured and evolved into better actors. Meanwhile, Pauleen seems to have found her niche as a villain as demonstrated by her fine acting as the devious Sofia.

Watch “Ikaw Sana” before “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

Mystica at Cowboy Grill

It’s November power as Cowboy Grill, which has long been known as the place that serves good food alongside a series of exciting live music shows brings three explosive performers to rock your nights out this while month.

Being known as the Rock Diva of the Philippines and The Split Queen that made her became a scene-stealer with her famous “split” and acrobatic performances, Mystica, who’s also a beauty product model/endorser and a great actress, will sizzle the floor of Las Piñas branch on Nov. 24.

Meanwhile, every Thursday of November features come backing Blakdyak and his tribe at Cowboy Grill Mabini. Prepare for a very entertaining night with this half Filipino, half Barbadosan ska/reggae singer ever to hit the Philippine music scene.

The Mocha Girls returns to Cowboy Grill Biñan, Laguna on Nov. 25. With the sultry Mocha at the helm, the hottest girl group has already made a name in the music industry and has proven to be one of the hardest girls to beat. They can certainly turn everybody in the party mood once they hit the center stage with their repertoire of everything from current hits and the best of new wave down to the memorable music of the 70’s.

100K up for grabs in MBC’s ‘Parol’ competition

Manila Broadcasting Company has put up P100,000 for the grand prize winner of this year’s parol-making competition, aptly dubbed “Ilaw ng Pasko.”

Entries must be between 6 – 8 ft as measured from both extremities, including trimmings, and must be made of recycled materials. Entries must utilize energy-saving bulbs and cannot incorporate pyrotechnics nor hazardous material. Lanterns must be able to withstand indoor and outdoor conditions for the duration of the Christmas season. Deadline for submission of entries is at 12 noon of Dec. 4, 2009. For complete contest mechanics and to secure a registration form, email jpaglinawan@mbcradio.net

Kapamilya stars join ‘Super Inggo at Ang Super Tropa’

See Kapamilya stars Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Angel Locsin and Vhong Navarro as animated characters in “Super Inggo at ang Super Tropa” starting on Sunday, Nov. 22, 10:15 a.m. after “Matanglawin” on ABS-CBN.

Adding more fun are Judy Ann Santos as Krystala, Pinoy kids’ favorite Kokey, Kung Fu Kids and the one and only Dyosa, Anne Curtis. Of course, Kapamilya stars Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Kuya Kim and even Gus Abelgas wouldn’t miss this chance of becoming animated characters!

Catch the animated series of “Super Inggo at ang Super Tropa” every Sunday starting Nov. 22 on ABS-CBN! For other details and information, log on to www.superinggo.tv.

Guisado versus Ginisa, pareho lang ba ang lasa?

Heard from the grapevine: How true is this chismis that Dona Rikada walked out of the house of Mrs. Guisado? The incident happened at the dining room after Dona Rikada commented “Magsing sarap daw ang luto natin? Di tayo magkalevel noh!” Dona Rikada was asking about the menudo and afritada that Mrs. Guisado cooked. Known for her no-nonsense but traditional way of cooking, Dona Rikada who is a strong believer on sauteeing asked how the dishes were prepared. Mrs. Guisado revealed that she didn’t sautee anymore and used instead, UFC Tomato Sauce Guisado. The clash escalated when Dona Rikada reprimanded Mrs. Guisado that good tomato-based dishes only come when you sautee real onions, garlic and tomatoes. “Let’s put it to a taste,” was her challenge to Mrs. Guisado.

A question comes to mind as to which is really a better cooking method: Yung kinasanayang ginigisa o ang paggamit ng UFC Tomato Sauce Guisado? Or do they just taste the same?

For the best homemakers like Mrs. Guisado, dishes served on the dining table must give off a rich authentic taste. However, she is also open to try out new things if it would mean spending less time in the kitchen and more quality time with her family. She is a multi-tasker - caring for her young while doing kitchen chores. Close to being a super mom, a madiskarteng mommy knows her kitchen and what to feed her family as long as she does not compromise on the taste.

GMA Network airs Marvelous Sonsona title fight

GMA Network gives boxing aficionados another thrilling fight when it airs the first title defense of Marvin ‘Marvelous’ Sonsona against Mexican challenger Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez on Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. on GMA Network.

The fight dubbed, “Pride and Glory: Philippines vs Mexico,” will be held at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada. It is the biggest test for Sonsona, who is being touted by experts as the next big sensation in professional boxing.

The 19-year-old Sonsona recently captured the WBO Super Flyweight belt when he outlasted Mexican Jose Carita Lopez in a spectacular 12-round championship fight last Sept. 4. He is currently being trained by Nonito Donaire, Sr., father of boxing icon and world champion Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire, Jr.

Another proud son of General Santos, Marvelous Sonsona is favored to win his upcoming fight and keep his record perfect, which currently stands at 14-0. His opponent, Hernandez, carries a 22-7-1 win-loss-draw slate.

LRI celebrates Christmas

LRI Design Plaza welcomes Christmas with the unveiling of its new collection for the season from its over 35 showrooms.

Highlight is the sale of outstanding items donated by every showroom called SHARE and will be on sale at a special price. All proceeds will go to Sagip Kapamilya to benefit typhoon victims.

From Nov. 19 to Dec. 20, stores open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, except on Sundays from 2-7 p.m. in the duration of the Celebrate Christmas! sale.

LRI Design Plaza is located at 210 Nicanor Garcia St., Bel Air, Makati City. Visit www.lridesignplaza.com or e-mail lri_bp@yahoo.com.

Side A at Conways Makati Shang

Side A performs at the Conways Bar of the Makati Shangri-La on Monday night at 8:30.

Catch the band this month along with other group acts like 3rd Avenue on Tuesdays, Hi-way 54 on Wednesdays, Spirit of '67 on Thursdays, Version 4.0 on Fridays, and Rockin Revival on Saturdays.

Power Hits 4 inspired by Pacquiao frenzy

Packed with more knockout hits and described as the world's best pound-for-pound compilation, Power Hits is back for a fourth round. Power Hits 4 is full of exciting combos of hit songs! Power Hits 4 features teen-sensation and Usher protége Justin Bieber, Multi-platinum award winner The Black Eyed Peas, Grammy Award Winner Mariah Carey, Electro-pop diva Lady Gaga and Country-pop star Taylor Swift.

Power Hits 4 also contains hits from recent Manila visitors – The Saturdays, Colbie Caillat, and The Pussycat Dolls. Teen favorites Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato also provide their share of hits on this thrilling album. Rounding out the album are power packed songs of up- and-coming acts like Paradiso Girls, LMFAO, Kid Cudi, Jeremih, and Pixie Lott.

This incredible release also contains a code and link that you can use to legally download extra tracks.